Disconnected Connections: Digital Coping, Doomscrolling, and Our Need for Belonging
2 Hours
Tuesday, August 25th, 2026 9:30 AM EDT -11:30 AM EDT Nadine Talley, LCSW
Tuesday, August 25th, 2026 9:30 AM EDT -11:30 AM EDT Nadine Talley, LCSW
2 CE Credits
Price
Paid
$39.99 USD
Yahoo!
Description
Participants will explore how attachment theory, polyvagal/social engagement theory, and relational safety shape emotional well‑being; review the paradox of being “hyperconnected but lonely”; review key findings from the U.S. Surgeon General’s 2023 Advisory on Loneliness; identify common digital coping behaviors, explore how dopamine‑driven reward loops, habit‑formation models (BJ Fogg), and relational‑technology dynamics (Sherry Turkle) contribute to digital overuse; identify the mechanisms, risks, and psychological drivers of doomscrolling, including algorithmic amplification and negativity bias; explore how to use validated tools (e.g., Digital Well‑Being Scale, UCLA Loneliness Scale) to evaluate digital habits; and develop personalized or organizational digital‑well‑being plans using cognitive‑behavioral techniques, mindfulness/somatic practices, intentional digital structure, and relational strategies that strengthen connection and resilience. Participants will also engage in a reflection exercise and a small group activity to discuss challenges and barriers existing in practice.
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About the Presenter:
Nadine earned her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 2000. Since then, she has developed extensive experience providing individual, couples, and family therapy across a variety of clinical settings. She specializes in trauma and attachment based treatment, integrating emotional regulation, somatic and sensory informed practices, and mindfulness. Nadine also earned a Certificate in Traumatic Studies from the Trauma Research Foundation, founded by leading trauma expert Dr. Bessel van der Kolk.
Nadine practices from a holistic, client centered framework and prioritizes collaboration throughout the therapeutic process. Her core professional values include compassion, transparency, integrity, and a commitment to equitable, inclusive care.
Learning Objectives:
- 1. Understand the neurobiological and relational foundations of human connection
- 2. Analyze how digital coping behaviors and platform design influence emotional regulation and mental health
- 3. Apply evidence‑based strategies to assess digital well‑being and implement healthier technology use
Agenda:
1. Brain Basics- Our Need for
Human Connection (20 minutes)
·
Attachment Theory
·
Social Engagement Theory (Dr. Stephan Porges)
·
Relational Safety v. Relational Trauma
- The
paradox of being “hyperconnected but lonely”
- Review
of the U.S. Surgeon General’s 2023 Advisory on Loneliness
2. Understanding Digital Coping
(20 minutes)
- Digital coping behaviors — why & how people use
devices to regulate emotions
- Avoidance vs. connection: how screens soothe
discomfort but reduce long‑term resilience
- Human behavior and brain facts
- The role of dopamine‑driven reward loops
- Sherry Turkle, “Alone Together”
- BJ Fogg, “Tiny Habits”
3. Doomscrolling: Mechanisms,
Risks, and Mental‑Health Impacts (20 minutes)
- Definition and psychological drivers of doomscrolling
- Role of algorithmic amplification
- Role of negativity bias
- Effects on physical & mental health, sleep,
cognitive load, and emotional regulation
4. Assessment & Interventions
for Healthier Digital Use (30 minutes)
- Self‑assessment tools (Digital Well‑Being Scale, UCLA
Loneliness Scale)
- Cultural factors
- Orthodox community, Shabbos
- Age/generation
- The role of intentionality & consistency:
- How we use technology (connection v. escape,
knowledge v. empowerment)
- Neuroplasticity
- Cognitive‑behavioral strategies:
- thought‑pattern interruption, urge surfing,
cognitive reframing, delayed gratification
- Mindfulness/somatic based interventions:
- grounding, present‑moment awareness, sensory regulation
- Digital structure:
- notification control, device‑free zones/time
periods
- Relational strategies:
- In person connecting, interactive games, physical
touch
- How to cultivate meaningful relationships in
digital spaces
- The role of community, shared identity, and
prosocial behavior
- Creating a personal or organizational Digital Well‑Being
Action Plan
5. Reflection, Application, and
Integration (30 minutes)
- Guided reflection on personal digital‑use patterns
- Small‑group discussion on barriers to change
- Development of individualized next steps
- Q&A
Accreditation - This Webinar Offers 2 Live Interactive Continuing Education Credits
- CE You LLC, #1573, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 3/27/2024 - 3/27/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 2 continuing education credits.
- CE You! is an approved sponsor of the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners for continuing education credits for licensed social workers in Maryland.
CE You! maintains responsibility for this program. - CE You LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0437
- Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed creative arts therapists. #CAT-0122.
- Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0129.
- Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0325.
- Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0275.
This presentation is open to:
- Behavior Analysts
- Social Workers
- Professional Counselors
- Therapists
- Psychologists
- Licensed Mental Health Practitioners
- Medical Doctors and Other Health Professionals
- Other professionals interacting with populations engaged in mental health based services
This online class is offered at an intermediate level, and is beneficial for an intermediate level clinician:
- New practitioners who wish to gain enhanced insight surrounding the topic
- Experienced practitioners who seek to increase and expand fundamental knowledge surrounding the subject matter
- Advanced practitioners seeking to review concepts and reinforce practice skills and/or access additional consultation
- Managers seeking to broaden micro and/or macro perspectives
Additional information
- Refunds: Registrants who are unable to attend a CeYou! Plus! seminar or live webinars may ask for, and will receive, a credit or refund (your choice). Refund requests will be processed within 3 business days. When an attendee knows in advance that they are unable to attend we ask that they inform CeYou! Plus! ahead of time by emailing [email protected] or by calling or texting 607-249-4585 this allows us to free up the spot in the training in the event that a training is at or near capacity.
- Disability Access: If you require ADA accommodations, please contact our office 30 days or more before the event. We cannot ensure accommodations without adequate prior notification.
- Please Note: Licensing Boards change regulations often, and while we attempt to stay abreast of their most recent changes, if you have questions or concerns about this course meeting your specific board’s approval, we recommend you contact your board directly.
- The grievance policy for trainings provided by CeYou! Plus! is available here
- Satisfactory Completion: Certificates are available after satisfactory course completion in your account or by clicking here
- Participants will receive their certificate electronically upon completion of the webinar and course evaluation form.
- There is no conflict of interest or commercial support for this program.
- System Requirements: Any device (such as a computer, tablet, or phone), Dual-Core 2 GHz or higher processor, and at least 4 GB of RAM capable of running a Zoom session, along with a stable internet connection.
- Although early registration is recommended for this class in order to ensure the best experience, attendees may register and join until the start of the program
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